Work completes on final section 11 km Macclesfield to Greater Manchester cycle route

Work has completed on the final section of an 11 km cycle route through the Cheshire countryside connecting Macclesfield with Marple in Stockport.

The traffic-free Middlewood Way is now fully open for walking, wheeling and cycling, with the final phase of delivery including improvements to access of Macclesfield railway station, and two upgraded crossing points, on Black Lane and Hurdsfield Road. As well as for leisure use, the route also links with Astra Zeneca’s Macclesfield factory to enable more active commutes to the site.

The 11 km route follows the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway, and runs from Macclesfield station to Rose Hill Marple railway station on the edge of Greater Manchester.

The Middlewood Way was created with support from national charity Sustrans, as part of the National Cycle Network. The improvements that have been made on this transformative scheme were funded by the Department for Transport as part of a national programme led by Sustrans to raise the quality of the National Cycle Network and create accessible paths for everyone. There was also additional funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said:

“I know local residents will love using this new route, while many others will now visit Macclesfield for a beautiful day out in the Cheshire countryside.

“The new scheme will also increased activity all along the Middlewood Way by bringing more people directly to and from the town centre.

“Finally, it also provides a far nicer commute for pedestrians and cyclists to AstraZeneca and the Hurdsfield Industrial Estate. Overall, it’s a brilliant addition to the lovely Middlewood Way that we are rightly proud to have within Cheshire East.”

Cllr Chris Hilliard, Cheshire East Council’s walking and cycling member champion, who attended the celebration event to mark the completion of the route, said:

“This is great news for pedestrians and cyclists. The sharp bend that was on the southern side of Hurdsfield Road and potentially off-putting for many road users, has now been removed and has been replaced with a far more suitable and better quality route. 

Rosslyn Colderley, director for Sustrans in the North of England and who also attended the event, said:

“I’m delighted these improvements on the Middlewood Way are now complete. The new crossing points and shared use path are key to enabling people in wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other mobility aids to safely accessing this beautiful route, as well as those on foot or bike. 

“It’s a beautiful path for leisure and also a practical, direct route for people to travel in a healthier way to work, school or to the shops. 

“The Middlewood Way is part of the National Cycle Network. Sustrans is working across the UK to improve the quality of the network and create paths that everyone can enjoy, whatever their age or ability.”

The opening event was attended by Cheshire East Council’s leader Councillor Sam Corcoran, chair of the highways and transport committee Mark Goldsmith and deputy chair of the committee, Laura Crane. Volunteers from Sustrans were also there to support.

The ward member for Macclesfield Hurdsfield, Councillor Sarah Bennett-Wake, cut the ribbon on the day.